PHOTOS: STAR AND COLLECTED

I market Bangladeshi products here. It feels great when I see young people proudly wear clothes made in Bangladesh. I also teach theatre at an English school. It keeps me connected to my roots.

SHAH ALAM SHAZU

Once, they were some of the most popular stars in the country’s showbiz scene—some in films, some in television dramas, others in music. Eventually, they left the country and settled abroad. Among the stars who have moved overseas, most now live in the United States. A few are in Canada, Australia, or London. How are these cultural icons doing in their adopted countries, years after leaving the limelight?

Shabana, hailed as the “Beauty Queen” of her era, was a powerhouse on the silver screen, with a filmography that touched audiences from bustling cities to villages and towns nationwide. Her movies still grace TV screens, reminding fans of her cinematic legacy. Years ago, Shabana relocated to the United States with her family. Though she makes occasional visits back to Bangladesh, sources say she’s doing well and enjoying a peaceful life abroad.

Singer Kaderi Kibria, famed for his rendition of the song Boro Asha Kore Esechi , has been living in the United States for more than two decades. The Ekushey Padak-winning artiste came to Bangladesh to accept the award. After returning to the country on several occasions, he spoke to The Daily Star. He had mentioned that he is doing well, stating, “I am doing well because of everyone’s love. However, I do miss my country.”

Former actor Tony Dias and his wife, dancer Priya Dias, have been living in the US for over 15 years. Tony now teaches theatre and is involved in business. He shared, “I market Bangladeshi products here. It feels great when I see young people proudly wear clothes made in Bangladesh. I also teach theatre at an English school. It keeps me connected to my roots.” Priya continues to promote classical dance there. Their daughter, Ahona, is involved in both academics and performance arts.

Veteran actor Shamim Shahed, known for his work with Nagorik Natya Sampradaya and Humayun Ahmed’s dramas, is also based in the US, where he is involved with radio while preparing to direct three English-language films.

Moreover, actor and filmmaker Tauquir Ahmed and his wife, actress Bipasha Hayat, are also based in the US with their children. While Tauquir continues working in theatre and film, Bipasha has earned recognition as a painter abroad.

Singer-songwriter Ashiquzzaman Tulu, renowned for the song Ore Amar Pagol Mon , now resides in Canada. Veteran actors Ariful Haque and Kazi Utpal have also settled there.

The ever-beloved film actress Shabnur, known for her blockbuster hits, resides in Australia and makes occasional visits to Bangladesh.

Former theatre activist Shamsul Alam Bokul, once a pillar of Desh Natok, continues his work in stage theatre from the US. TV personalities Nawsheen Nahreen Mou and Adnan Faruque Hillol have settled in the US, where Nawsheen runs a migration support agency. She frequently reunites with fellow expats like Nadia Ahmed, Romana, and Tamalika Karmakar.

Tamalika, who earned acclaim for her role in Kothao Keu Nei , frequently hosts intimate gatherings for Bangladeshi artistes in her US home.

Actress-model Monalisa, singer Biplob of Prometheus band, and musicians like SI Tutul and Sonia (of Close-Up fame) are all thriving abroad. Monalisa shared, “I’ve built a new life here, but I miss my country and especially my mother every single day.”

Notable names like Sabina Bari Lucky, Majnun Mizan, Khairul Islam Pakhi, Anisur Rahman Milon, Bindu, Riya, Romana, and Tamanna have also settled overseas—some continuing cultural engagement, others focusing on family life.

Former actress Nova Firoze, now in the US, balances business with cultural hosting, while Agnila lives in Canada.

Stars like Richi Solaiman, who once dominated television productions, is now settled in the US.

Esteemed actor Jamal Uddin Hossain spent many years living in the US. Sadly, he passed away while visiting his son’s home in Canada. His wife, fellow actress Roshan Ara Hossain, continues to live in the United States. Another familiar face from television, Lutfun Nahar Lata, has also made her home in America.

Despite being far from home, these stars continue to carry Bangladesh in their hearts- some keeping cultural traditions alive abroad, others finding new identities while cherishing their roots.